Whakapapa

Whakapapa is a Māori concept that refers to genealogy or lineage, detailing the ancestral connections that link individuals, families, and tribes over generations. It serves as a foundation for identity, understanding one’s place within a broader history and community. Through whakapapa, knowledge of ancestors, origins, and shared heritage is passed down, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural continuity. It’s used to honor relationships, uphold traditions, and maintain cultural practices, emphasizing interconnectedness between people, the land, and the cosmos. Essentially, whakapapa is the storytelling of one’s roots that sustains cultural identity and community cohesion.